China has set an ambitious goal to eliminate severe air pollution by 2025, marking a significant step toward a cleaner and healthier environment. Li Tianwei, an official with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, announced on Monday that the nation will intensify efforts in pollution control and emission reduction.
“The blue sky is not given; it is earned,” Li said during a press conference, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving air quality. China plans to enhance its air quality forecasting and early warning systems and focus on coordinated management of PM2.5 and ozone pollution.
In recent years, China’s air quality has shown remarkable improvement. The average concentration of PM2.5 in cities at or above the prefecture level has steadily decreased, and the proportion of days with good air quality has increased significantly year on year.
Mobile sources, such as vehicles and machinery, contribute significantly to air pollutant emissions, accounting for roughly 60 percent of the national nitrogen oxides and 24 percent of volatile organic compounds. To tackle this issue, China plans to expedite the development and revision of relevant emission standards to align with global best practices.
The country will also boost the adoption of new energy vehicles and machinery in airports, ports, and logistics parks. Furthermore, China aims to accelerate the transition of long-haul bulk cargo transportation from road to rail and waterways, reducing reliance on road transport and lowering emissions.
These initiatives reflect China’s dedication to combating air pollution and protecting the environment for future generations. As the 14th Five-Year Plan progresses, the nation’s efforts toward cleaner air promise a healthier future for its people and the planet.
